recommend a beginners running watch

[Tjb1981]

Hi, I am starting my couch to 5k today but i am someone who needs to see improvement on a weekly basis, can anyone recommend a watch that tracks distance etc? thank you.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Welcome and good luck, do read the guide to c25k because it’s full of good info as to how to run without injury and complete this.

There are loads of different makes of watch although fitbit and garmin seem to be runners favourites, have a look at them both and then it’s down to budget

Most of all have fun

[damienair Graduate]

You can pick up pretty good bargains on a Garmin Forerunner 35 on eBay and Amazon. Nice running watch, I have one, does everything you want. Second hand at around £60-70 on eBay. I got mine for £80 on Amazon Prime sale.

If you want the latest design, I'd go for a Garmin Forerunner 45's , more modern, more stylish but will do the same thing. At the end of the day you just want to log pace, distance and time accurately.

Damien

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to damienair]

This ⬆️

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Big vote for Garmin from me.

I used the above mentioned forerunner 35 and it took me from C25K graduation to half marathon without lacking any features. The new 45/45s/45 plus are great watches, the plus has more features and is the cheapest at the moment, but doesn’t (yet) come in the smaller size option. I have a 245, but had the 45 plus been out at the time I’d have probably gone with that one.

The 35 won’t be able to lead you through all of the C25K workouts as it can only do intervals with repeated run and walk lengths, which isn’t always the case with the plan in the middle weeks. You could, of course, use the C25K app/podcasts and also run a tracking app like Strava, Nike+ Run Club, MapMyRun and many more, to record your stats.

The numbers are nice to look at, but never let them become important... all that matters is to fully complete the run and in fact, slow is better than fast for health and fitness benefits.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Love my Garmin 45s

[paulb68 Graduate]

Ordered Garmin 45 running watch from Amazon yesterday. Down from £169 to £117, my son does a lot of running and said it was good value and has all the features I would require for my running during and after (hopefully on week 6) C25K

[Whydothis Graduate]

Others will know more than me about the fancy stuff! My comment is just that you will see weekly improvement, just by knowing how much more running you can do each week! Don't worry about the numbers - it is all about how long you can run for. Enjoy it!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.